Find Traffic Ticket Records in Birmingham

Traffic ticket records for Birmingham are processed through the Birmingham Municipal Court, which handles thousands of traffic cases annually. As Alabama's largest city, Birmingham operates a robust municipal court system with multiple payment options and an online portal for ticket resolution. The court handles citations issued by Birmingham Police Department officers for violations occurring within city limits. Residents can search for tickets online, pay fines through the city's payment portal, or visit the court in person. State trooper and Jefferson County Sheriff citations are processed separately through the Jefferson County District Court system, which operates under the 10th Judicial Circuit Birmingham Division.

County Jurisdiction

Birmingham is located in Jefferson County and serves as the county seat. Traffic tickets issued by Alabama State Troopers or Jefferson County Sheriff deputies are processed through the Jefferson County District Court (Birmingham Division), not the Birmingham Municipal Court. The Jefferson County Courthouse is located at 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N in Birmingham. For state and county citations, contact the District Court at (205) 325-5300. The Municipal Court handles only tickets issued by Birmingham city police officers.

Birmingham Municipal Court

The Birmingham Municipal Court handles all traffic tickets issued by the Birmingham Police Department within city limits. The court processes speeding tickets, red light violations, stop sign violations, improper lane changes, driving without a valid license, expired tags, and other traffic offenses. Parking tickets and city ordinance violations are also processed here.

How to Search and Pay Traffic Tickets

Online Payment Options

Birmingham provides several online payment options for traffic tickets. Choose the portal that matches your citation type.

• Municipal Court Portal: birminghamal.municipalonlinepayments.com
• Parking Tickets: TrafficPayment.com
• State Court Tickets: traffic.alacourt.gov
• AlaPay: alapay.com

Important Notice: Handwritten Tickets

Got a ticket that starts with "K"? That's a handwritten one. These take longer to show up in the system. Could be five weeks. If you can't find it online, just wait and try again later. Or call the court at (205) 254-2161. They can look it up manually. Don't panic if your ticket isn't there yet.

Multiple Violations Restriction

Under Alabama Code Section 13A-10-109, defendants with two or more violations within a 12-month period cannot pay online. You must appear in court in person for these cases. Check your court date on the ticket or call the court to confirm your appearance requirements.

In-Person Payment

Payments can be made at the Birmingham Municipal Court during payment hours from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The court accepts cash, money orders, certified checks, personal checks, and credit or debit cards. The court building is located at 801 17th Street North.

Contesting a Ticket

If you wish to contest your traffic ticket, do not pay the fine. Call the Municipal Court at (205) 254-2161 to request a trial date. You will appear before a judge and may present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.

Fees and Fines

Online Payment Convenience Fees

Common Traffic Fine Ranges

Traffic fines in Birmingham vary based on the violation type and your driving history. Court costs are added to all base fines. Standard moving violations typically range from $150 to $500 including court costs. Serious offenses carry higher penalties. Contact the court for specific fine amounts for your citation.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to pay or appear in court results in an arrest warrant. Your driver's license will be suspended until the case is resolved. A failure to appear charge will be added. The original fine will increase with additional penalties and court costs. You must resolve all outstanding cases before your license can be reinstated.

Relevant Alabama Statutes

Traffic citations in Birmingham are governed by Alabama state law, city ordinances, and specific payment restrictions.

Alabama Code Section 12-12-53: Uniform Traffic Ticket

This statute requires all Alabama law enforcement agencies to use the standardized Uniform Traffic Ticket form. The UTC number is the primary tracking identifier for your case. All courts statewide accept tickets issued on this form.

Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8: Penalties for Traffic Violations

This section sets the general penalty framework for traffic violations. Most traffic offenses are misdemeanors. First violations may result in fines up to $100 or jail time up to 10 days. Repeat offenses carry increased penalties.

Alabama Code Section 13A-10-109: Payment Restrictions

Got more than one ticket in a year? You can't just pay online. The law says you have to go to court. Two or more violations in 12 months triggers this rule. The judge wants to look at your driving history. They may give you a warning, or they may not. Either way, plan to show up in person for your court date.

Legal Aid Resources

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Birmingham area residents who need help with traffic matters.

Legal Services Alabama - Birmingham Office

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They assist with license reinstatement issues and provide referrals for traffic matters.

• Phone: 1-866-456-4995
• Website: legalservicesalabama.org

Birmingham Bar Association

The Birmingham Bar Association can help connect you with attorneys who handle traffic cases in the Birmingham area.

• Website: birminghambar.org

Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program

This program pairs people who can't afford a lawyer with attorneys who work for free. You have to qualify based on income. If you do, a volunteer lawyer can help with your case at no cost. Good option if you're in a tough spot and need legal advice but don't have the money for it.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

The State Bar operates a referral service connecting residents with licensed attorneys.

• Phone: 1-800-392-5660

Nearby Cities

The following major cities are located near Birmingham in the metropolitan area. Each operates its own municipal court for traffic tickets issued by local police.

Search Traffic Records

Use our search tool to find traffic ticket records and court case information for Birmingham and Jefferson County.